GPC3刺激对DC-CTL靶向杀伤肝细胞癌的影响

目的本研究将磷脂酰肌醇蛋白聚糖3(GPC3)作为肝细胞癌(LIHC)的靶分子,研究其在激活树突状细胞(DC)-细胞毒性T淋巴细胞(CTL)和增强肿瘤杀伤能力中的作用。方法为更系统、更全面地鉴定GPC3在多种恶性肿瘤中的意义,对GPC3在泛癌中的基因表达水平进行评估,并从LIHC与临床特征的相关性角度进一步研究GPC3。分别通过生存预后分析(Kaplan-Meier图)和受试者工作特征(ROC)曲线分析评估GPC3在LIHC中的预后价值和诊断价值。重组GPC3蛋白用于刺激DC,然后与CTL细胞共培养,经酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)分析以检测DC-CTL细胞中细胞因子的表达。通过CCK8测定法测定在Huh7细胞上用GPC3培养刺激的DC-CTL细胞的细胞毒性。结果GPC3的基因表达水平在大多数癌症中显著不同,并且在LIHC中与正常组织相比更高。GPC3在血清中与年龄和甲胎蛋白(AFP)水平相关(均P<0.001),而与LIHC的TNM分期、病理分期和组织学分级无关。ROC曲线分析表明,GPC3可用于准确预测LIHC。GPC3的表达水平与LIHC的总生存期无关。联合治疗显著上调了IFN-γ和TNF-α的分泌。用150 ng/ml和200 ng/ml GPC3刺激的DC-CTL细胞杀死Huh7细胞的能力强于不使用GPC3刺激的DC-CTL细胞(均P<0.05)。结论用GPC3刺激DC-CTL细胞通过促进细胞毒性在体外抑制肿瘤生长。GPC3可能是一种潜在的肿瘤标志物,可用于提高DC-CTL细胞的治疗效率。

基于转录组学分析T-2毒素诱导细胞凋亡作用机制

T-2毒素是一种强毒性单端孢霉烯族毒素,具有多器官效应毒性。为了解T-2毒素对不同细胞系毒性的影响及作用机制,作者分析了T-2毒素暴露对4种细胞系氧化应激、Ca^(2+)水平和凋亡的影响,采用细胞转录组学等技术分析了T-2毒素作用于敏感细胞的关键基因和信号通路。结果表明,相同诱导剂量下,BV2小胶质细胞和HepG2肝癌细胞对T-2毒素敏感,细胞内活性氧(ROS)和Ca^(2+)水平显著升高(P<0.05),细胞凋亡程度高。转录组学和逆转录-聚合酶链式反应(RT-PCR)结果显示,T-2毒素可通过MAPK/AP-1、TNF-NF-κB信号通路并上调AP-1、白细胞介素-6(IL-6)等因子水平引起BV2细胞炎症反应。而与氧化应激和凋亡相关的PI3K/AKT、PERK/P53/Casp3信号通路,通过下调Akt、SIRT1等促凋亡因子并上调超氧化物歧化酶促进了HepG2细胞的凋亡。T-2毒素分别通过促炎和氧化应激相关信号通路诱导BV2细胞和HepG2细胞凋亡,说明T-2毒素可通过不同的分子机制对不同器官产生特异性毒性效应。

Effect of IFNα-2a on Fas expression and apoptosis rate of peripheral blood cytotoxic T cells in patients with hepatitis B

Interferon(IFN) with antiviral and im-munomodulatory activities is one of the most important therapeutic agents for the treatment of chronic hepatitis. The apoptotic effect of IFN is influenced by cell type and the types of IFN, which suppresses proliferation and induces apoptosis in some cell types while inhibiting apoptosis in others. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of IFNα-2a on Fas expression and the apoptosis rate of peripheral blood cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) in patients with hepatitis B. METHODS:Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated from 26 patients with hepatitis B including 16 patients with chronic hepatitis B and 10 patients with chronic severe hepatitis B. Fas expression and apoptosis rate of CTLs were analyzed with flow cytometry before and after IFNα-2a treatment. RESULTS:Before IFNα-2a treatment, Fas expression and apoptosis rate of CTLs from patients with chronic hepatitis B were significantly higher than those from patients with chronic severe hepatitis B and healthy controls respectively. No significant difference was observed between Fas expression and apoptosis rate of CTLs from patients with chronic severe hepatitis B and healthy controls. After IFNα-2a treatment,Fas expression and apoptosis rate of CTLs from different groups were compared with those before IFNα-2a treatment, showing no significant difference despite alternation of different degree. CONCLUSIONS:Activation induced cell death (AICD) exists in peripheral blood CTLs from patients with hepatitis B. No effect of IFNα-2a exerts on Fas expression and apoptosis rate of Fas in patients with hepatitis B.

In-vitro activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes by fusion of mouse hepatocellular carcinoma cells and lymphotactin gene-modified dendritic cells

AIM： To investigate the in-vitro activation of cytotoxic T lymphocytes （CTLs） by fusion of mouse hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC） ceils and lymphotactin gene-modified dendritic cells （DCs）. METHODS： Lymphotactin gene modified DCs （DCLptn） were prepared by lymphotactin recombinant adenovirus transduction of mature DCs which differentiated from mouse bone marrow cells by stimulation with granulocyte/macrophage colony-stimulating factor （GM- CSF）, interleukin-4 （IL-4） and tumor necrosis factor alpha （TNF-α）. DCLptn and H22 fusion was prepared using 50% PEG. Lymphotactin gene and protein expression levels were measured by RT-PCR and ELISA, respectively. Lymphotactin chemotactic responses were examined by in-vitro chemotaxis assay. In-vitro activation of CTl_s by DCLptn/H22 fusion was measured by detecting CD25 expression and cytokine production after autologous T cell stimulation. Cytotoxic function of activated T lymphocytes stimulated with DCLptn/H22 cells was determined by LDH cytotoxicity assay. RESULTS： Lymphotactin gene could be efficiently transduced to DCs by adenovirus vector and showed an effective biological activity. After fusion, the hybrid DCLptn/H22 cells acquired the phenotypes of both DCLptn and H22 cells. In T cell proliferation assay, flow cytometry showed a very high CD25 expression, and cytokine release assay showed a significantly higher concentration of IFN-α, and IL-2 in DCLptn/H22 group than in DCLptn, DCLptn＋H22, DC/H22 or H22 groups. Cytotoxicity assay revealed that T cells derived from DCLptn/H22 group had much higher anti-tumor activity than those derived from DCLptn, H22, DCLptn ＋ H22, DC/H22 groups. CONCLUSION： Lymphotactin gene-modified dendritoma induces T-cell proliferation and strong CTL reaction against allogenic HCC cells. Immunization-engineered fusion hybrid vaccine is an attractive strategy in prevention and treatment of HCC metastases.

Dendritic cells engineered to secrete anti-Dc R3 antibody augment cytotoxic T lymphocyte response against pancreatic cancer in vitro

AIM To investigate the enhanced cytotoxic T lymphocyte responses against pancreatic cancer (PC) in vitro induced by dendritic cells (DCs) engineered to secrete anti-DcR3 monoclonal antibody (mAb). METHODS DCs, T lymphocytes and primary PC cells were obtained from PC patients. DCs were transfected with a designed humanized anti-DcR3 monoclonal antibody heavy and light chain mRNA and/or total tumor RNA (DC-tumor-anti-DcR3 RNA or DC-total tumor RNA) by using electroporation technology. The identification, concentration and function of anti-DcR3 mAb secreted by DC-tumor-anti-DcR3 RNA were determined by western blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. After co-culturing of autologous isolated PC cells with target DCs, the effects of secreting anti-DcR3 mAb on RNA-DCs' viability and apoptosis were assessed by MTT assay and flow cytometry. Analysis of enhanced antigen-specific immune response against PC induced by anti-DcR3 mAb secreting DCs was performed using a Cr-51 releasing test. T cell responses induced by RNAloaded DCs were analyzed by measuring cytokine levels, including IFN-gamma, IL-10, IL4, TNF-alpha and IL-12. RESULTS The anti-DcR3 mAb secreted by DCs reacted with recombinant human DcR3 protein and generated a band with 35 kDa molecular weight. The secreting mAb was transient, peaking at 24 h and becoming undetectable after 72 h. After co-incubation with DCtumor- anti-DcR3 RNA for designated times, the DcR3 level in the supernatant of autologous PC cells was significantly down-regulated (P < 0.05). DCs secreting anti-DcR3 mAb could improve cell viability and slow down the apoptosis of RNA-loaded DCs, compared with DC-total tumor RNA (P < 0.01). The anti-DcR3 mAb secreted by DC-tumor-anti-DcR3 RNA could enhance the induction of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) activity toward RNA-transfected DCs, primary tumor cells, and PC cell lines, compared with CTLs stimulated by DC-total tumor RNA or control group (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the antigen-specific CTL responses were MHC class I-restricted. The CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells incubated with anti-DcR3 mAb secreting DCs could produce extremely higher level IFN-gamma and lower level IL4 than those incubated with DC-total tumor RNA or controls (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION DCs engineered to secrete anti-DcR3 antibody can augment CTL responses against PC in vitro, and the immune-enhancing effects may be partly due to their capability of down-regulating DC apoptosis and adjusting the Th1/Th2 cytokine network.

CD4^(+)CD28^(−)T细胞的特点及其在疾病中的作用研究进展

在健康的年轻人体内,传统CD4^(+)T细胞的CD28表达高达97.5%,而研究发现在老年人、慢性炎症和持续感染的患者体内CD4^(+)T细胞的CD28阳性率显著下降,甚至不足50%,即出现CD4^(+)CD28^(−)T细胞积累。CD4^(+)CD28^(−)T细胞是一群独特的CD4^(+)T细胞亚群,本文综述了该亚群的表型特征、功能特点及其在慢性病毒感染、自身免疫病和心血管疾病中的作用,为CD4^(+)CD28^(−)T细胞相关疾病的治疗和预后改善提供了新策略。

Frequencies and Characterization of HBV-specific Cytotoxic T Lymphocytes in Self-limited and Chronic Hepatitis B Viral Infection in China

Hepatitis B virus （HBV）-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes （CTLs） are believed to play a major role in viral clearance and disease pathogenesis during HBV infection. To clarify the differences in host immune responses between self-limited and chronic HBV infections, we constructed three HLA-A＊0201/HBV tetramers with immunodominant epitopes of core18-27, polymerase 575-583 and envelope 335-343, and analyzed the HBV-specific CTLs in peripheral blood mononuclear cells （PBMCs） from patients infected with HBV. The frequencies and expansion ability of HBV-specific CD8＋T cells in most self-limited HBV infected individuals were higher than those in chronic HBV-infected patients. HBV-specific CD8＋T cells could be induced by in vitro peptide stimulation from chronic patients with a low level of serum HBV-DNA but not from those with a high level of serum HBV-DNA. In chronic infection, no significant correlation was found either between the frequencies of HBV-specific CD8^＋ T cells and the viral load, or between the frequencies and the levels of alanine transaminase. Our results suggested that the frequencies of HBV-specific CTLs are not the main determinant of immune-mediated protection in chronic HBV infection and immunotherapeutic approaches should be aimed at not only boosting a HBV-specific CD8^＋T response but also improving its function.

Natural epitope variants of the hepatitis C virus impair cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity

AIM:To understand how interactions between hepatitis C virus(HCV) and the host's immune system might lead to viral persistence or effective elimination of HCV.METHODS:Nucleotides 3519-3935 of the non-structural 3(NS3) region were amplified by using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(PCR).PCR products of the HCV NS3 regions were integrated into a PCR T7TOPO TA vector and then sequenced in both directions using an automated DNA sequencer.Relative major histocompatibility complex binding levels of wild-type and variant peptides were performed by fluorescence polarization-based peptide competition assays.Peptides with wild type and variant sequences of NS3 were synthesized locally using F-moc chemistry and purified by high-performance liquid chromatography.Specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes(CTLs) clones toward HCV NS3 wild-type peptides were generated through limiting dilution cloning.The CTL clones specifically recognizing HCV NS3 wild-type peptides were tested by tetramer staining and flow cytometry.Cytolytic activity of CTL clones was measured using target cells labeled with the fluorescence enhancing ligand,DELFIA EuTDA.RESULTS:The pattern of natural variants within three human leukocyte antigen(HLA)-A2-restricted NS3 epitopes has been examined in one patient with chronic HCV infection at 12,28 and 63 mo post-infection.Results obtained may provide convincing evidence of immune selection pressure for all epitopes investigated.Statistical analysis of the extensive sequence variation found within these NS3 epitopes favors a Darwinian selection model of variant viruses.Mutations within the epitopes coincided with the decline of CTL responses,and peptide-binding studies suggested a signif icant impact of the mutation on T cell recognition rather than peptide presentation by HLA molecules.While most variants were either not recognized or elicited low responses,such could antagonize CTL responses to target cells pulsed with wild-type peptides.CONCLUSION:Cross-recognition of CTL epitopes from wild-type and naturally-occurring HCV variants may lead to impaired immune responses and ultimately contribute to viral persistence.

Identification of the epitopes on HCV core protein recognized by HLA-A2 restricted cytotoxic T lymphocytes

AIM: To identify hepatitis C virus(HCV) core protein epitopes recognized by HLA-A2 restricted cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL). METHODS: Utilizing the method of computer prediction followed by a 4h(51)Cr release assay confirmation. RESULTS: The results showed that peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) obtained from two HLA-A2 positive donors who were infected with HCV could lyse autologous target cells labeled with peptide &quot;ALAHGVRAL (core 150-158)&quot;. The rates of specific lysis of the cells from the two donors were 37.5% and 15.8%, respectively. Blocking of the CTL response with anti-CD4 mAb caused no significant decrease of the specific lysis. But blocking of CTL response with anti-CD8 mAb could abolish the lysis. CONCLUSION: The peptide (core 150-158) is the candidate epitope recognized by HLAA2 restricted CTL.

Association of Graves’ disease and Graves’ ophthalmopathy with the polymorphisms in promoter and exon 1 of cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen-4 gene

Objective: To investigate the association of Graves’ disease and Graves’ ophthalmopathy with the C/T transition polymorphism at position –318 of promoter and the A/G transition polymorphism at position 49 of exon 1 within cytotoxic T lymphocyte associated antigen-4 (CTLA-4) gene. Methods: Thirty-three patients with ophthalmopathy of Graves’ disease, fifty-six Graves’ patients without ophthalmopathy and sixty normal subjects as control were involved in the present case-control study. The polymorphisms were evaluated by polymerase chain reaction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Com-parisons were made of gene frequencies and allele frequencies between the groups. Results: The gene frequencies of CT and allele frequencies of T were much higher in Graves’ patients with ophthalmopathy than that in the group without ophthalmopathy (P=0.020, P=0.019). The gene frequencies of GG and allele frequencies of G in patients with Graves’ disease were significantly increased as compared with control group (P=0.008, P=0.007). The data suggest that smokers with Graves’ disease seemed to be more predisposed to ophthalmopathy than non-smokers (P=0.018). Conclusion: Our results suggest that an allele of T at position –318 of promoter is associated with genetic susceptibility to Graves’ ophthalmopathy while an allele of G at position 49 of exon 1 is associated with genetic susceptibility to Graves’ disease instead. Smoking is believed to be a major risk factor for ophthalmo-pathy.

嵌合抗原受体T细胞的肿瘤杀伤作用

近年来,嵌合抗原受体T(chimeric antigen receptor T,CAR-T)细胞免疫疗法在血液恶性肿瘤的治疗中取得了重要进展,但在实体瘤方面的应用并不理想。本文对CAR-T细胞的结构、杀伤功能进行了介绍,包括非经典免疫突触的形成、分泌细胞因子、分泌穿孔素和颗粒酶、Fas-FasL(factor associated suicide-Fas ligand)途径以及组成CAR结构成分的改变等杀伤肿瘤的主要机制,比较三种CAR细胞的特点,结合CAR-T细胞治疗实体瘤的挑战,对CAR-T细胞在肿瘤免疫治疗领域未来的研究方向进行了分析。

初诊SLE患者抗CTLA-4抗体水平及其临床意义

目的探讨初诊系统性红斑狼疮(SLE)患者血清中抗CTLA-4抗体水平及其临床意义。方法选取2022年1月至2023年6月在苏州大学附属第一医院风湿免疫科就诊的初诊SLE患者56例作为病例组,同时选取我院体检中心52例体检者作为对照组。采用酶联免疫吸附试验(ELISA)检测两组血清中IgG和IgM型抗CTLA-4抗体。比较不同临床特征(包括皮疹、口腔溃疡、浆膜炎等等)初诊SLE患者组间抗CTLA-4抗体水平差异。采用Pearson相关分析评估初诊SLE患者抗CTLA-4抗体与疾病活动指标[包括SLE疾病活动指数2000版(SLEDAI-2K)、抗ds-DNA以及C反应蛋白(CRP)]的关系。结果病例组IgG和IgM型抗CTLA-4水平均高于对照组(t=4.657、5.014,P均<0.05);IgG和IgM型抗CTLA-4抗体水平在SLE合并浆膜炎的患者中高于未合并浆膜炎患者(t=1.849、2.013;P=0.046、0.032);Pearson相关分析显示,IgM型抗CTLA-4抗体与SLEDAI-2K(r=0.425,P=0.029)及补体C3(r=-0.494,P=0.029)呈正相关;IgG和IgM型抗CTLA-4抗体与CRP(r=0.301、0.404;P=0.041、0.022)和抗ds-DNA抗体(r=0.644、0.363;P=0.002、0.036)呈正相关。结论初诊SLE患者血清抗CTLA-4抗体呈高表达,且该抗体与浆膜炎、疾病活动度相关。

Cytotoxicity study of ethanol extract of the stem bark of asam kandis (Garcinia cowa Roxb.) on T47D breast cancer cell line

Objective:To investigate the cytotoxic effect of ethanol extract of the stem bark of asam kandis[Garcinia cowa Roxb.(G.cowa)]on T47 D breast cancer cell line.Methods:The cytotoxicity of ethanol extract was carried out against human breast cancer cell line(T47D) by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide colorimetric assay.The extract was added at various concentrations(0.1.1,10 and 100 μg/mL).The level of cytotoxicity was determined by calculating the level of IC_(50),that was based on the percentage of the cell death after 24 h treatment with the extract.Cell morphological changes were observed by using inverted microscope.Results:The 3-(4.5-dimelhylthiazol-2-yl)-2.5-diphenyltelrazolium bromide assay showed that ethanol extract of G.cowa exhibited significant cytotoxic effect on T47 D with IC_(50) value of(5.10+1.68) μg/mL.Morphological alteration of the cell lines after exposure to ethanol extract of G.cowa was observed under phase contrast microscope in a dosc-dependent manner.ConclusionsThe results suggest the possible use of ethanol extract of asam kandis for preparing herbal medicine for cancer-related ailments.

Cytotoxicity of seven recent dentine bonding agents on mouse 3T3 fibroblast cells

Today it is generally accepted that most bonding agents are cytotoxic. In this study the relative cytotoxicity of seven recent dentine bonding agents on mouse 3T3 fibroblast cells were investigated. Materials and Methods. Near-confluent mouse 3T3 fibroblast cells were exposed to Dulbecco Modified Eagle’s Medium containing extractions from the seven different bonding agents. The cell survival rate was then determined using the standard MTT assay. Results. The cell survival rate ranking is: iBond (94%) < Gbond (78%) < Xeno V (71%) < Adper Easy Bond (63%) < Xeno V+ (61%) < Adper Scotchbond SE (33%) < XP Bond (32%). Part A of Adper Scotchbond SE had a survival rate of 35% and part B 38%. These two parts did not differ significantly. Adper Scotchbond SE and XP Bond do not differ significantly. While Xeno V+, Xeno V and Adper Easy Bond do not differ. (p < 5%;Tukey-Kramer Multiple-Comparison Test). Conclusion. All of the tested adhesive bonding agents were cytotoxic with survival rate of 3T3 cells between 94% to 31%. Of the 7 bonding agents tested iBond was found to be only slightly toxic and by far the least toxic. The two bonding agents (XP Bond and Adper Scotchbond SE) containing UDMA plus TEGDMA plus HEMA plus camphorquinone were found to be the most toxic.

基于LCK募集和活化的嵌合抗原受体T细胞的结构优化及其功能研究

目的 通过对二代嵌合抗原受体(CAR)进行淋巴细胞特异蛋白酪氨酸激酶(LCK)结构改造,探讨能否增强二代CD137 CAR-T细胞的活化水平及杀伤肿瘤细胞效率,为制备新型二代CAR-T细胞奠定基础。方法 利用基因工程技术,构建靶向人表皮生长因子受体-2(HER2)的CD137-LCK2 CAR和CD137-PYAP2 CAR的慢病毒载体,经慢病毒包装、感染活化T细胞后制备出CD137-LCK2和CD137-PYAP2 CAR-T细胞。采用流式细胞术、酶联免疫吸附实验、细胞毒性实验分别检测新构建的CAR-T细胞在活化分子CD137的表达水平、表型分布、分泌的细胞因子水平及对表达HER2的肿瘤细胞的杀伤效率。结果相较于二代CD137 CAR-T细胞,经过结构改造的靶向HER2的CD137-LCK2和CD137-PYAP2 CAR-T细胞能够上调活化分子CD137的表达、增加细胞因子IFN-γ的分泌、增强对靶细胞的杀伤能力,且均有统计学差异;同时能够维持在记忆状态、受抗原刺激后可迅速活化增殖分化。结论 靶向HER2的CD137-LCK2和CD137-PYAP2 CAR-T细胞有望比二代CD137 CAR-T细胞能更有效活化并发挥抗肿瘤效应。

Effect of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4,TNF-alpha polymorphisms on osteosarcoma: evidences from a meta-analysis

Objective： Previous studies have investigated the role of cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 （CTLA-4） and tumor necrosis factor-alpha （TNF-a） in carcinogenesis of osteosarcoma, but their results were inconsistent. We aimed to clarify the associations between CTLA-4, TNF-a polymorphism and osteosarcoma risk by using meta-analysis. Methods： We searched relevant studies without language restriction in PubMed, EMbase, Cochrane Library, Google Scholar databases, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure （CNKI） and conference literature in humans published prior to March 2013. The strengths of the associations between genetic variants and osteosarcoma risk were estimated by odds ratio （OR） with 95% confidence interval （95% CI）. Results： A total of seven studies with 1,198 osteosarcoma patients and 1,493 controls were selected. Four studies were eligible for CTLA-4 （1,003 osteosarcoma and 1,162 controls）, and three studies for TNF-a （195 osteosarcoma and 331 controls）. Pooled results showed that rs231775 polymorphism of CTLA-4 was associated with osteosarcoma risk （GG vs. AA： OR=1.63, 95% CI=1.24-2.13; GG ＋ GA vs. AA： OR=1.56, 95% CI=1.21-2.01; AA ＋ GA vs. GG： OR=0.83, 95% CI=0.71-0.97; G vs. A： OR=1.21, 95% CI=1.08-1.36）. No significant heterogeneity was observed across the studies. No significant associations were found between rs5742909 polymorphism of CTLA-4 or rs1800629 polymorphism of TNF-a and osteosarcoma risk. Conclusions： These results suggest that the rs231775 polymorphism of CTLA-4 may play an important role in carcinogenesis of osteosarcoma.

猪源病毒细胞毒性T淋巴细胞表位研究进展

主要组织相容性复合体(major histocompatibility complex,MHC)Ⅰ类分子,也称为猪白细胞抗原(swine leukocyte antigen,SLA)Ⅰ类分子,在机体抗原递呈、器官移植、细胞免疫应答和调控等方面起重要作用。细胞毒性T淋巴细胞(cytotoxic T lymphocyte,CTL)表位是抗原经抗原递呈细胞加工后,与SLA-Ⅰ类分子结合并递呈的线性肽段,具有高度特异性,在机体抗原识别递呈和细胞免疫抵抗病毒感染方面发挥着关键作用。CTL表位能够刺激CTLs发挥细胞杀伤作用,主要表现为杀伤病毒。作者将对口蹄疫病毒、非洲猪瘟病毒和猪繁殖与呼吸综合征病毒等几种重要的猪源病毒的CTL表位研究现状进行综述,并利用生物信息学手段分析SLA-Ⅰ与CTL表位结合基序特征,以期为今后相关猪源病毒CTL表位的研究和多表位疫苗的设计提供参考。

Glypican-3-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes induced by human leucocyte antigen-A*0201-restricted peptide effectively kill hepatocellular carcinoma cells in vitro

Objective: To investigate potential human leucocyte antigen(HLA)-A2-restricted epitope peptides of glypican-3(GPC3) and determine the cytotoxicity of peptidespecific cytotoxic T lymphocytes(CTLs) against hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC) cells.Methods: The potential HLA-A*0201-restricted GPC3 peptides were screened using computer algorithms, T2 cell-binding affinity and stability of peptide/HLA-A*0201 complex assay. The peptide-specific CTLs were generated and their cytotoxicity against GPC3+SMMC 7721 and Hep G2 cells was detected using IFN-g based enzymelinked immunospot and lactate dehydrogenase release assays in vitro.Results: A total of six peptides were identified for bindings to HAL-A2 and the GPC3522–530 and GPC3 229–237 peptides with HLA-A*0201 molecules displayed high binding affinity and stability. The CTLs induced by the GPC3 522–530 or positive control GPC3 144–152 peptide responded to the peptide by producing IFN-g, which were abrogated by treatment with anti-HLA-A2 antibody. The GPC3 522–530-specific CTLs responded to and killed SMMC 7721 and Hep G2 cells, instead of GPC3-silenced SMMC7721 or Hep G2 cells. GPC3 522–530-specific CTLs response to HCC cells was blocked by anti-HLA-A2 antibody.Conclusions: The GPC3 522–530 peptide contains antigen-determinant and its specific CTLs can effectively kill HCC in a HLA-A2-restricted and peptide-dependent manner. Our findings suggest that this peptide may be valuable for development of therapeutic vaccine.

INVESTIGATION OF INDUCING EFFECT OF SPECIFIC CYTOTOXICITY OF CTLS BY ANTIGEN PEPTIDES FROM T LYMPHOCYTIC LEUKEMIA CELLS

Objective: To investigate the characteristics of specific antitumor immunity induced by antigen peptides mixture from T lymphocytic leukemia cells. Method: Antigen peptides mixtures were prepared from different leukemia cell lines and then bound with Hsp70 in vitro. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were cultured in vitro, and activated with Hsp70-antigen peptides. The activated PBMC was cultured continuously in vitro, and used as effector cells in vitro test of cytotoxicity to different target cells. Results: The antigen peptides from different leukemia cell lines were peptides mixture and could activate PBMC effectively if they were presented by Hsp70. The activated PBMC could proliferate in the presence of IL-2 and Hsp70-antigen peptides. The proliferative PBMC had specific cytotoxicity to leukemia cells corresponding to the antigen peptides. PBMC activated by antigen peptides from T lymphocytic leukemia cell lines could effectively kill T lymphocytic leukemia cells, and the cytotoxicity of these PBMC to T lymphocytic leukemia cells was significantly stronger than that of PBMC activated by antigen peptides from other leukemia cells (P < 0.05). PBMC activated by either Hut78-peptides or Molt 4-peptides could effectively kill Jurkat cells. And the cytotoxicity of PBMC activated by Hut78/Molt-4-peptides to Jurkat cells was significantly stronger than that of PBMC activated by either Hut78-peptides or Molt-4-peptides alone (P<0.05). Conclusion: Antigen peptides mixture from T lymphocytic leukemia cell lines can induce specific cytotoxic effect to T lymphocytic leukemia cells. There exists cross-reactivity among antigen peptides mixture from different T lymphocytic leukemia cell lines. The cross-reactivity could be amplified by blending of different antigen peptides from different T lymphocytic leukemia cell lines, suggesting that it is possible to prepare broad-spectrum antigen peptide vaccine against T lymphocytic leukemia by using multiple leukemia cell lines.

Clinical evaluation of sintilimab in conjunction with bevacizumab for advanced colorectal cancer with microsatellite stable-type after failure of first-line therapy

BACKGROUND At present,immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)remain the 1st-line therapy me-thod for patients suffering from high microsatellite instability/deficient misma-tch repair metastatic colorectal cancer(mCRC).However,ICI treatments demon-strate minimal therapeutic efficacy against microsatellite stable(MSS)/proficient mismatch repair(pMMR)CRC.This is mainly because this type of tumor is a“cold tumor”with almost no lymphocyte infiltration.Anti-angiogenic drugs have been found to improve the immune microenvironment by promoting many immune cells to enter the immune microenvironment,thereby exerting anti-tumor effects.AIM To investigate the effects of ICIs combined with bevacizumab monoclonal anti-body on tumor immune cells in MSS/pMMR advanced CRC patients with first-line treatment failure.METHODS A total of 110 MSS/pMMR patients with advanced CRC after first-line treatment failure in the Affiliated Hospital of Qinghai University were enrolled for a ran-domized controlled trial.In short,patients in the experimental group(n=60)were given sintilimab plus bevacizumab for 4 cycles,and those in the control group(n=50)patients were treated with FOLFIRI combined with bevacizumab for 4 cycles.The expression levels of cluster of differentiation(CD)8(+)T cells,tumor-associated macrophages(TAMs),and cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs)were comprehensively evaluated to assess the effects of sintilimab combined with bevacizumab on MSS/pMMR advanced CRC sufferers following failure of 1st-line therapy.RESULTS The positive expression rates of CD8(+)T lymphocytes(30%vs 50%),TAMs(23.30%vs 60%),and CAFs(23.30%vs 50%)before and after treatment in both groups exhibited statistical significance(P<0.05).Additionally,the therapeutic effects of both groups(partial remission:26.67%vs 10%;objective response rate:26.70%vs 10%)were significantly different(P<0.05).Although the experimental group showed a higher progression-free survival,median progression-free survival,and disease control rate than the control group,the difference was not statist-ically significant.Moreover,no significant difference in the occurrence rate of drug-related adverse reactions after treatment between the two groups was found(P>0.05).CONCLUSION ICIs in combination with bevacizumab can not only improve the patient’s prognosis but also yield safe and controllable adverse drug reactions in patients suffering from MSS/pMMR advanced CRC after failure to a 1st-line therapy.